A recent red tide algae bloom has killed a lot of the reef fish and other fish close to the beaches of Gasparilla Island In Southwest Florida. "Red tide" is caused by microscopic algae (plant-like microorganism) called Karenia brevis. The red tide organism: Karenia brevis or K. brevis produces a toxin that can affect the central nervous system of fish, birds, mammals and other animals including humans.Blooms of K.Brevis in our area, often intensify where fresh water run off from land meets salt water. The blooms that did the damage seen in this video, intensified at the Gulf inlets from Sarasota county down through Lee county and they then moved south along the coast. The blooms are moved by tides, ocean currents and wind generated currents. If the algae blooms continue to find food , they will continue to survive and even grow to cover larger areas. These blooms can last for days or months depending on the conditions.